There was a time when I would earn $100 to $200 in a few hours selling my poetry (poems) in some of the toughest, meanest, most intimidating bars / offices / environments you have ever seen. Take a moment, think about that scenario - a poet - some poems - a room full of 100 pretty scary strangers in drunken party mode, or work mode and me - sometimes selling as much poetry as I could carry in the door. I supported myself as a young artist doing that for years. $300 to $500 a week in the 1980s, as a lone poet. That amount of money was off-the-chart good for any poet in the country at that time, and it kept me in ink and paper and coffee. But more importantly, it taught me that "Everyone loves art." Even if they are a. 6.5 foot, 300 pound, tough, truck driving, hard living bulldog of a man, looking for a fight. Deep, deep down people are pussycats when faced with something BEAUTIFUL. They can be reduced to tears, and turned from a menacing threat into a fan/customer/art lover. This is not theory. I've lived it, seen it many, many times. I've watched someone's eyes darken, listened to them say, "NO! I'm not interested, I'm busy right now, don't have time for this..." And I learned that none of that was really true - it was all a cover for the fear of being embarrassed, or because they knew they didn't have very much money, or, or, or. None of these excuses have anything to do with the art in front of them. In fact, 9 times out of 10 I would find that once someone actually took the time, focused their attention, had a real conversation about the work (the art) they would end up loving this piece, or that one. All I had to do was make it safe, make it OK for them to LOOK, to see the work without fear, or concern of any kind. When it comes to people and art It all comes down to UNDERSTANDING: the Billionaire, the stay-at-home mom, truck driver, and the hardened gang member in a prison cell all need and want something beautiful, something totally honest and truthful in their life - a song that speaks to them, a kids drawing, some cool dance steps, or a painted masterpiece - everyone loves art.

I may get hired to participate in a live painting event, perhaps more than one. They asked what my rates were and I said I’ll get back to them about it. Outside the hotel premises in other locations will pay more than at the hotel. The violinist gets paid $250 at the hotel and up to $1900 elsewhere. I’ve never done this before, so any sights what to fairly charge would be great. They never hired an artist for these events so all I mentioned that it’s negotiable.

I know I have not posted in a very long time or participated in the group. Putting together your premier show and still making a living takes everything. The best I can do is share the following. Maria, I know that you live close enough to make the opening. I would love if you could make the opening.

I was so excited. Thought I had sold an original but nope, it appears they were scammers. They contacted me through Meta messages. It was Whity Rose and I checked the account which had one picture of a woman and 4 men. Looked to be out of the US with no posts. I did tell them I only shipped in the US. They gave me a Charlotte, NC address which was a real address. They asked about shipping and I said the piece they wanted was on sale and shipping was free in the US. They picked the piece, a bison, that they wanted and it got down to payment. I told them to go to my site where they had been to pick the piece and pay there where there were a number of payment options. I also said if there was any problem on the site to message and I would take care of it. Ghosted! I am pretty sure they were going to try to talk me into some weird payment or shipping thing and I guided them to my payment processor plus told them I only shipped in the US. Bummed...oh well. So be careful if you get a customer with that name.

Hey Y'all! For those that attended yesterday's meeting the Formula with @Maria Brophy I got such positive feedback from all you kind souls to share one of my WINS ♥ I hosted my first art class Sunday, I have had people asking me to do these for some time. I have no formal teaching skills, I have lots of experience with talking to people and putting myself out there, but hosting and teaching was something new. I wrote this down in one of my MIT's to go for it. I had such a successful event I hope that my share may help inspire others to do so and give it a whirl. Immediately I had 6 people sign up, which was amazing, then half way through the week I lost 2, and now was down to 4 people. I have almost 500 people on my email list, and even sent out a second blast hoping to fill more slots. BUT it wasn't happening on the emails, and now here I am faced with a feeling of embarrassment of only having 4 show up and what would that say about my demand and skills. So I started texting like a Mad Woman lol! I think I must of sent out 30 some texts, I lost count, but all the sudden I was connecting just like I do in person when I'm out and about. I reached out to friends and past buyers and much to my surprise they were so happy and excited to join. Within 4 days I had increase my class from 4 to 11 people. WOW!! Where did all this magic come from, I would say it's from what Maria and Oliver have been instilling in us. I was brave, resourceful, and thought why not. Worst I would get was a No or just a no response. I even had others say sorry I can't this time but please keep me in mind for future dates. This is a bit of a long story to share for my win, but the class went amazing, we had so many laughs and good times. I followed up with all attendees and they want to do it again. The other greater feeling of joy came from when I got this feedback. "I had a blast, it was nice to be around other people. I never get to do that. I don't have friends. You did an amazing job! Can't wait for the next one. Thanks for today!" Now aside from I was creating art and filling each one of these souls with a piece of me, the bigger picture came into mind this is my WHY, and why I LOVE art.